Paul Lynch

An eight hour bucket collection outside the Ricoh Arena saw more than £4,600 raised for Northampton Town supporters’ fighting fund as Coventry and Cobblers fans dug deep for the cause.

More than 20 volunteers helped carry buckets and receive donations from both sets of fans prior to the Cobblers cup tie against Coventry City on Saturday - a match which Northampton Town won 2-1 in front of 2,500 away fans.

As of this afternoon the trust’s fundraising total now stands at close to £35,000.

As former Oxford chairman Kelvin Thomas and his consortium of businessman attempt negotiate a buyout of Northampton Town this week, the trust says the money raised will be vital in securing its place in the future.

The funds could be used to cover expensive legal costs if the trust needs to sign a new shareholders’ agreement in the coming weeks - and if the club does go under the funds could support the trust in forming a phoenix club from the ashes.

A spokesman for the trust said: “It was fantastic to see two sets of fans uniting for a common cause, and we owe a huge debt of thanks to both Coventry fans and The Sky Blues Trust - many of whom dedicated their time to helping collect as well.

“The Trust will be forever grateful for their friendship and solidarity at this time, and we really hope that Coventry continue their good form in League One and enjoy a successful season - we wish you all the best.”

Trust member Roger Averill said: “The Coventry fans were great as well, they were all stopping and helping out with some change.

“The support we’ve had from other clubs on our crowdfunding page has been fantasic as well.”

To donate to the Northampton Town Football Club Supporters’ Trust fund, head to https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/ntfctrust